In The Conversation, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Wayne State University Arash Javanbakht writes that regular exercise keeps our brain healthy and protects it against depression and anxiety.

I have begun to think of prescribing exercise as telling patients to take their “exercise pills.” Now knowing the importance of exercising, almost all my patients commit to some level of exercise, and I have seen how it benefits several areas of their life and livelihood. … Exercise improves memory function, cognitive performance and academic achievement.

Dr. Arash Javanbakht in The Conversation

Dr Javanbakht says that excercise has other benefits as well besides its neurobiological impacts. “When going out for a walk, one gets more exposure to sunlight, fresh air and nature. One might pick a dog as their running mate, and another might meet a new date, or enjoy the high energy at the gym. Exercise can also function as a mindfulness practice and a respite from common daily stressors, and from our electronic devices and TV.”

Practical ways for a busy life

Dr. Javanbakht recommends the following practical ways to exercises for busy people:

• Pick something you can love.
• Use positive peer pressure to your advantage.
• Do not see it as all or none.
• Merge it with other activities: 15 minutes of walking while on the phone with a friend, even around the house, is still being active.
• When hesitant or low on motivation, ask yourself: “When was the last time I regretted doing it?”
• Although it can help, exercise is not the ultimate weight loss strategy; diet is.

“Even if you do not feel anxious or depressed, still take the exercise pills. Use them for protecting your brain,” writes Dr. Javanbakht.